OUR PEOPLE - GXSLab
Laurel Walzak
Walzak is an Associate Professor of the RTA Sport Media, Toronto Metropolitan University. In 2018, she founded the Global Experiential Sport Lab, known as GXSLab, a leading global sport media and sport technology research lab, operating remotely in Canada, and now recently in the UK.
Walzak has co-authored two books on the topic of Global Sport Media Vectors. Walzak has worked with and/or for blue-chip corporations, professional sport organizations and broadcasters and served on government-appointed and sport-related Board of Directors. Walzak currently serves on the Hype Sports Innovation, AI Workshop Series Steering Committee
Walzak has an MBA, with a focus on Finance, Smith School of Business, Queen's University. She is doing her PhD at London South Bank University's Business School, UK, with a focus on sport. Her research area at LSBU is in the Behavioural Research Group (BRG) which lies at the intersection of several behavioural science disciplines, drawing on theory and methods from economics, management, psychology, marketing, philosophy, organizational studies, statistics, among other fields. Walzak also has a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Business Implications, at MIT Sloan School of Management, CSAIL.
LOUIS-ETIENNE DUBOIS
Louis-Etienne Dubois is an Associate Professor of creative industries management at Toronto Metropolitan University. He is also an associate researcher at MINES Paris Tech's Center for Scientific Management and the National Circus School's CRITAC. Dubois' research focuses on emergent business opportunities and challenges, as well as innovative management practices in the cultural and creative sector. He has published work in various academic journals and has consulted with private and public organizations in sectors such as advertising, arts and culture, video games, sports and entertainment, and aerospace.
FRANKIE COLLURA
Dr. Collura received his
doctorate from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and York University in the joint Communication and Culture program. His doctoral dissertation examines the cultural differences amongst and experiences of LGBTQ+ athletes in soccer and how exclusionary attitudes existing in the sport impact policy on LGBTQ+ athletes. Dr. Collura has contributed peer-reviewed publications, presented at conferences, and given guest lectures in academic settings internationally.
DANICA VIDOTTO
Danica Vidotto earned her interdisciplinary Ph.D. from the Faculty of Information, Knowledge, Media, Design, Institute (KMDI, iSchool) and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Vidotto serves as a part-time professor at the University of Ottawa. Her teaching responsibilities extend across the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics where she teaches undergraduate and graduate-level courses. Concurrently, she holds a position as a contract instructor at Carleton University, where she contributes to the School of Journalism and Communication, Communications and Media Studies program. Dr. Vidotto's extensive professional experiences encompass the fields of education, media, and sports. She has collaborated with organizations such as Physical Health Education Canada, Hijabi Ballers, Roger’s Sportsnet, You Can Play, the Conference of Independent Schools Athletics Association, The Dementia Society, the Human Rights and Equity Advisors Association of Ontario, the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, York University, and the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada.
With over 25 publications, including conference presentations, book chapters, edited books, and journal articles, Dr. Vidotto demonstrates a profound commitment to advancing and translating knowledge. As an Ontario Certified Teacher with a Master’s degree in Teaching she holds pedagogical expertise and confidence with public speaking. She currently co-runs the Centre for Safe Sport in Schools, Camps, and Communities which offers policy support and implementation, professional development, and workshops about abuse-free sport. She is currently completing her Master in Laws at the University of Ottawa.
LJ FILOTRANI
LJ Filotrani, has a PhD in Mainstream Media Coverage (UK) of esports Tournament the ePremier League Finals 2019 and 2021, using a mixed-methods from London South Bank University. Filotrani is a published author and wrote a chapter on 'Television Needs Esports But Esports Doesn’t Need Television’, in the book, Sport Media Vectors: Digitization, Expanding Audiences, and the Globalization of Live Sport.
Filotrani is an academic educator and has lectured in the United Kingdom, Asia and North America. LJ is also a seasoned academic administrator.
FRANCISCO BIANCHI
Francisco Bianchi is an enthusiastic Sport Marketing Professional, with more than 10 years expertise in Marketing and Business Development areas. Francisco is highly passionate about all type of sports and emerging technologies. His initial step in sports was in the Argentinian Rugby Union (UAR) where he spent 3 years working in the Marketing area with all national rugby teams, including the Pumas. He has also worked with high technology and research companies. His experience includes Manager positions in Marketing, Product and Sales at GfK Technology, Sony Mobile Communications and Samsung Electronics. Francisco is an instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), The Creative School, RTA Sport Media, teaching undergraduate Sport Media students: Media Messaging, Sport Media Theory and Practice, Sport Marketing, and Sport Capstone. He is also a key contributor at The Global Experiential Sport Lab (GXSLab) at TMU and focuses on the special projects related to the intersection and knowledge transfer between Globalization, Digitization and Commercialization of Sport.
Francisco graduated with a Masters in Marketing Specialization and Business Management, Argentina. He is completing his Certificate of Project Management, at The Chang School, Toronto Metropolitan University.